Always know others' motives and intentions as you can see right through them (so it's almost impossible being lied to or deceived)?

Hypersensitivity to noise, scents and people talking?

Random mood swings that have nothing to do with your life?

Do you have a creative or an artistic nature?

Furthermore, if you've taken the Myers-Briggs test, are you an INFP or INFJ?

If all of these apply to you, then you're an intuitive empath.

Bear in mind, this is not depression or anti-social behaviour (since actually being on your own doesn't depress you, but helps you unwind); but people like to label what they think they know, especially as not many know about being an empath.

An Empath absorbs energies and emotions around them like a sponge which can be very exhausting. They can't stand negative energy or energy vampires; it drains them more than anything you can ever imagine (I know from experience). We're only comfortable around those with positive energy, or those who don't criticize/judge/assume, etc. (even if you act otherwise, we know your intentions, remember, so unless you mean well, an empath will avoid you).

I met some of the most negative people you could imagine last year. As an empath, I would feel sick around them, even without them talking. And when you're the only empath you know in that place or a professional environment and there is no way of minimizing contact, there's nothing to say, so you keep it to yourself. Just a horrible feeling in your stomach that these few people don't mean well; they carry resentment/jealousy/hatred/doubt, etc. towards themselves, you or others. Being in a room with a few negative people can make an empath ill and struggle with their daily routines even after leaving such people because you carry their energies and vibes, and it used to take me days to start feeling better afterwards. It was pure torture. Try explaining that. Thankfully I no longer have to see them.

If someone has made an empath feel uncomfortable before, depressed or negative, it's almost impossible wanting to be around that person again and they will keep their distance. An empath likes the company of those who do not exhaust them. Simple as that.

If you have a friend or family member who is an intuitive empath, here is what you need to know:

Always be honest with them; don't pretend or hide anything since they can always tell.

Never be judgemental; accept them for who they are.

Accept their advice and support, even if unasked for, since it's in their nature to want to help. Offering help is their way of showing love and support to those they care about.

Be very considerate of the fact that they're overly sensitive (in ways you may not even comprehend), tend to avoid aggression, negative people/situations/crowds at any cost, and even violent media. Be understanding.

Understand that an empath needs more time alone from the world. Don't force them to go out/be more social; they can only do it if they feel like it/are comfortable with the company/place, etc. However, from personal experience, an empath doesn't shy away from understanding, positive friends. In fact, it is advisable that they schedule meeting positive friends once a week or so as it helps an empath feel better afterwards. I've learned that an empath does, however, stay away from people who drain them at any cost, friends or not.

If you break their trust or let them down once, it's almost impossible being their friend again; since trust is crucial to them.

7 comments:

I guess I am one in moderation.I didn't know this kind of personality had a 'name'. I prefer my own company and can be my own best friend. I go through rare periods of wanting to be around other than my close kin which is normal because as humans we do naturally like company. I am a 'first vibes' kinda person and they have never let me down. I liked this post much.

Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Test? Some (or many) assume an introvert is someone who is anti-social or incredibly shy. It's not true; an introvert is someone whose mode of living is internally focused, gets their ideas from their 'inner world' and are comfortable being on their own.

And with all that, I'm an empath. I've done some research on this and I'm not sure if there are degrees of empathy... because it seems you either suffer from all these "symptoms" I mentioned or not. My guess is you're an INFJ or INFP, as you rely on your intuition or first vibes, and you need time to recharge on your own.

The Minnesota Medical Development Inc test results was of the opinion I was more ENJI regarding my personality. I think the results were on point. I looked into the INFJ pesonality traits too and yes Marwa I think you are right.

Hello, I typically test as a INTx but when I do cognitive function tests I come out as a INFJ. I'm not sure what my type is but I don't come off or resemble an INFJ that much in looks, speech patterns or anything like that. I do however have all the familiar symptoms of an empath even though INTs aren't suppose to be empathetic and what have you. I almost went nuts the other day because someone I didn't even know said he was tired of life. I literally wanted to drop to my knees and cry because I hate that some much pain has been inflicted on this individual. I felt like I was sharing the pain with him. Because of that situation I feel it's only getting worse.

I am coming to realize that I am an empath. I have absolutely no clue what steps to take from here. I have taken several different types of tests and I accept it, but where do I go. I need to sort things out and know how to control it. Thank you all. God Bless

Thank you for posting this - so rarely do you find any literature geared towards people living with an empath. I will be passing this along to my friends so they can better understand why I behave the way I do.